Papago has been my goto trail when I need something quick and easy if I can't go any further then 15 min away from home. That said I'd say for a first time its not that bad, make sure to either go early enough in the day that its not too warm or go later at night.

I usually start from that parking lot and then go south and follow the golf course around till you cross the road and then I loop up around the red mountain then around the one further north and climb up the southern one after stopping at the rest area for a few seconds to re-hydrate and get some minor downhill going on if that makes sense?

Papago or Usery for first time mtbr?

Usery! It's higher up in elevation, some great plant life on the Belvins loop. Just as easy, but you feel "out there" much more - and in my opinion that's one of the greatest things about riding mountain bikes. Can't get that at Papago.

saw my first mountain bike riding the trails there, thot "dang that looks fun" and a short time later took my first ride there in, prolly, 1986 or 87 on my buddy's fuji sundance [http://www.classicfuji.com/Sundance_1986_Page.htm]. still enjoy those rolling granite trails and the odd, cratered, sedimentary buttes. to this day, i ride papago several times a year, whenever i'm in the valley visiting family and pressed for time. not hard, but always fun.

Both are great places for a novice rider. Although I would agree with poster above about Usery. I guess it depends on where you are coming from. Papago is convenient and free while Usery is only close if you live in E. Mesa and there is a fee if you park in the park.

Papago is my local trail and don't underestimate what it has to offer! I'd say pending on where you go it's a toss up. I second the trail around the golf course for beginners and also second the fact that, at Usery, you can get OUT there ... but perhaps more technical in general. Actually biked there this morning and saw a coyote. One thing for sure: know your trails. Both of those places are a maze of trails, papago more so but you'll never get lost ... Usery getting lost is a possibility. Have a blast out there.

We ended up going to papago last weekend, and usery this weekend. I found Usery pretty boring until we got to cats trails (someting like that). I had a bit more fun at papago. Either way, my wife got some experience. I'm going to take her to south mountain on the desert classic next.